Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Vang Vieng or Qingdao?
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.
Qingdao
Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $14Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $14, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vang Vieng and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.34Qingdao $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.68Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Qingdao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vang Vieng Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.18Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Vang Vieng change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayVang Vieng $6.31Qingdao $20
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.87Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving: $102
- Full Day Private Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave Tour: $156
- Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None: $27
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng : $50
- Train ticket Vang vieng to Luang prabang: $50
- Vang Vieng Bike Tour: $39
- Vang Vieng Kayaking Fun Rapid and Float Tour: $35
- Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline: $110
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $50
- Jungle & Caves Full-Day Private Trekking Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Private Qingdao City tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $190
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
- Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.14Qingdao $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Qingdao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Qingdao than you might in Vang Vieng.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vang Vieng Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Qingdao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vang Vieng experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Qingdao in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Vang Vieng usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Qingdao. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Qingdao averages at about 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vang Vieng this time of the year. In the autumn, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Vang Vieng during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Qingdao in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the spring, Vang Vieng often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.